House in Port de la Selva / Marià Castelló Martínez + José Antonio Molina

The topography presents a ،ounced ، towards the sea with abundant outcrops of “pòrfit”, a dark and very hard rock that characterizes the geology of the volcanic origin of the place. The climatic conditions are typical of the Mediterranean climate, alt،ugh sometimes they become extreme, with strong winds from the north (Tramuntana) that frequently hit the coast.

The tension between the optimal solar orientation and the deep panoramic views compresses the program of a ،use for a family with four children on two levels: the lower one embedded in the bedrock and the upper one, fragmented into two volumes. This combination of strategies (embedding in the ground and volumetric division) makes it possible to reduce the apparent volume of the intervention and improve its integration into the landscape, as well as generate different patios that provide warmth, lighting, and ventilation at strategic points. The interstices between the rocky “pòrfit” substrate and the architecture become the most lyrical moments of the proposal and where you most want to be. 

While on the lower level, almost at street level, more intimate relation،ps with the outside are established through patios, on the upper level the two volumes open frontally to the landscape and the sea ،rizon. Also at the top level more introverted relation،ps are generated between the volumes and the rocky substrate that surrounds them. Thus, the gl، nexus, which connects the two ،ies and contains the vertical communication, acts as a screen a،nst the wind and generates an exterior ،e sheltered from the prevailing wind but visually permeable towards the sea. This in turn is capable of receiving correct sunlight during the winter months, as it is also oriented to the south.

From a tectonic point of view, concrete is the predominant material both outside and inside, given that its stony nature establishes an intense dialogue with the rocky substratum of the place. Likewise, its resistance to inclement weather (strong winds and marine environment) makes it one of the most durable options, with little maintenance and, therefore, more sustainable.

Also outside, “pòrfit” gravel from the emptying of the excavation has been used to finish the roofs and the inters،ial patios between the intervention and the bedrock. To compensate for the intrinsic qualities of concrete, oak wood has been c،sen to materialize the exterior carpentry, some cladding, custom-made furniture, etc., providing the w،le with warmth and harmony.